MUNSTER FORWARD MARCUS HORAN has spoken to TheScore.ie about the “inspirational” Kerry teenager Donal Walsh, who passed away on 12 May after a long battle with cancer.
Horan was part of the Munster squad that flanked six teammates acting as coffin bearers at Walsh’s funeral on 15 May. Paul O’Connell, who had a close and long-standing friendship with the Blennerville native, could not make the service but has since visited with the Walsh family.
Horan said, “Donal was great friends with Paul for the last number of years. Paul was close to the family.
Unfortunately for Paul, he was on Lions duty and couldn’t get over for the funeral but he has been back subsequently and visited the family. We represented him on the day and were proud to do so.”
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Horan added, “It was Donal’s request to have us there. We were only too delighted to contribute on the day and do something for the family. It was a special moment for everyone involved. It was a very sad occasion but, at the same time, very uplifting to remember all he did. How he spoke was inspirational.
“He had organised everything about the funeral and had even named all his favourite players to carry the coffin. It was an honour to represent Munster and Paul O’Connell on the day.”
Horan says Munster were a team the 16-year-old really cherished and paid tribute to his stance against suicide and public speaking, such as an appearance on the Saturday Night Show, that urged young people to discuss issues they may be having with friends or family members.
He said, “To see the bravery of a boy of 16 years of age was amazing. He spoke like a grown man that was around for 60 years.
“The kind of honesty, and saying how you feel, is a testament to a lot of young people out there. His story on suicide had a huge impact of people across the country. His family have stated that they have got a load of letters and continue to do so since Donal passed away.”
The proposed award will be befitting of Donal’s massive contribution to both suicide prevention and cancer awareness in his all too short – almost 17 years.
We are all so proud of our fellow Kerry Young Man , down in The Kingdom & Munster , as a whole .
As a Leinster fan it makes me proud to see how the people in our sport comport themselves. Munster brought so much joy to this young man …. and the humility and compassion shown by POC and his fellow players makes you proud to be Irish and proud to be a part of this sport.
What a kid donal was , anyone that ever spent time in his company is a wiser person for it , donal we will always miss but ur legacy will carry on forever
Fair play to that young lad. It really puts things in perspective when u see a young lad like that not reach 17. Seemed like a top fella. Nice to see him being honoured like he deserves:-(
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Fair play to you lads, my hat is off to ye. A truly nobel act. Ye are a credit to you’re sport and club.
The proposed award will be befitting of Donal’s massive contribution to both suicide prevention and cancer awareness in his all too short – almost 17 years.
We are all so proud of our fellow Kerry Young Man , down in The Kingdom & Munster , as a whole .
Ni bheidh a leitheid aris ann!
Makes me proud to be a munster fan. Puts it all into perspective
As a Leinster fan it makes me proud to see how the people in our sport comport themselves. Munster brought so much joy to this young man …. and the humility and compassion shown by POC and his fellow players makes you proud to be Irish and proud to be a part of this sport.
What a kid donal was , anyone that ever spent time in his company is a wiser person for it , donal we will always miss but ur legacy will carry on forever
Fair play to the Munster boys and that young man who passed Donal was extremely brave and a shining example to everybody.
Why would anyone want to hit the ‘dislike’ icon for the more positive and respectful comments??!!
Fair play to that young lad. It really puts things in perspective when u see a young lad like that not reach 17. Seemed like a top fella. Nice to see him being honoured like he deserves:-(
Why are people doing red to comments.
Because they’re idiots.
Rob Kearney has aged in that picture :)
Cheers for the spot Barry.
Red thumbs for spotting that it wasn’t Kearney, hmmm!!!